FOR TEN YEARS, THE UN HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ABUSE OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF ITS VICTIMS PLACED IN TOXIC CAMPS IN KOSOVO. FOR SIX YEARS, IT HAS CONSISTENTLY RESPONDED TO THOSE TRYING TO CLAIM COMPENSATION WITH THE WORDS "WE WILL REVERT TO YOU IN DUE COURSE"

Letters exchanged between international lawyers Leigh Day & Co. and the UN are reproduced un-edited here. As expected, the UN repeat their well-worn phrase "We will revert to you in due course".

BACKGROUND: There are several ongoing legal claims for compensation made on behalf of the individuals placed in these toxic camps by the United Nations. The US attorney, Dianne Post provides a history of her claim on behalf of 150 camp residents and the UN's prevarication HERE. The lack of positive feedback to this claim is no doubt related to the fact that the United Nations declares itself "immune from prosecution" thereby placing itself above international law. While it is acknowledged that a considerable degree of protection is needed for the UN when working in difficult and dangerous conditions, it is not acceptable that serious crimes committed by UN personnel, are unaccountable.

In Kosovo, there have been several cases where criminal actions undertaken by UN personnel have resulted in nothing more than the removal of suspects from the sphere of operations. All previous claims on behalf of the Roma camps have either stalled or are awaiting a productive outcome.

On 9th October 2009, Leigh Day & Co, an international UK-based law firm, and advised by Geoffrey Robertson QC and Richard Hermer QC, submitted a claim to the United Nations on behalf of approximately 600 inhabiltants of the Osterode and Cesmin Lug camps, and also on behalf of NGO workers subject to the same toxic conditions. Earlier this year, in Britain's largest ever group compensation claim, Leigh Day & Co. successfully obtained £30 million in compensation in an out-of-court settlement because of the dumping of toxic waste in the Ivory Coast.

15th November 2010. Lamberto Zannier finally agrees to meet lawyers in London